Today there are some 1 billion migrants globally, about 1 in 8 of the global population, these include 281 million international migrants. As of May 2022, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has estimated that the number of people forced to flee had reached more than 100 million for the first time on record, this means 1 in every 78 people on earth. Many refugees and migrants face poorer health outcomes than the host populations and remain among the most vulnerable members of society often facing xenophobia; discrimination; poor living, housing, and working conditions; and inadequate access to health services. Global health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic have further emphasized the importance of addressing the health of migrants and refugees in inclusive health systems and preparedness plans.
The conflict in Ukraine has additionally highlighted the capacity of countries, health systems and societies to respond in solidarity to mass displacement and to integrate refugees within health system responses. As the world confronts future global health challenges, including the climate emergency, and displacement from protracted conflicts, it is imperative that addressing the health needs of refugees and migrants is integral to achieving the right to health for all.
Co-hosted by the WHO Health and Migration Programme and the M8 Alliance, this session at the World Health Summit 2022 will outline the challenges and opportunities that exist within both research and policy to address health and migration as a global priority.
The event will take place on 16 October 2022 from 02:00 PM to 03:30 PM CEST / 12:00 PM - 01:30 PM UTC in Berlin and digital. Access to the entire session is free.
Agenda
Chairs:
- Prof. Dr. Luciano Saso, World Health Summit 2022 | International President; Sapienza University of Rome | Vice-Rector | Italy
- Dr. Santino Severoni, World Health Organization (WHO) | Health and Migration Program (PHM) | Director
Speakers:
- Dr. Poonam Dhavan, International Organization for Migration (IOM) | Senior Migration and Health Policy Advisor | Switzerland
- Dr. Mladen Ivanić, Former President | Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Nizami Ganjavi, International Center | Member
- Dr. Petra Khoury, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) | Global Health and Care Director | Switzerland
- Prof. Dr. Stephen Matlin, Imperial College London | Institute of Global Health Innovation | Visiting Professor | United Kingdom
- Reem Mussa, Doctors Without Borders | Analysis Department | Forced Migration Team | Humanitarian Advisor and Coordinator | Switzerland
- Prof. Dr. Amirhossein Takian, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) | School of Public Health | Vice Dean | Iran